Chapter 10: The Unwanted Guest

The peace didn't last long.

The next morning, Serenity was busy reviewing the new jewelry designs in her office. Thanks to Jackson's "generous donation" of diamonds, her team was working overtime to launch the collection ahead of schedule.

"Vera! We have a problem!" Amy popped her head in, looking anxious.

"What is it? Did the machine break again?"

"No... There is a woman outside. She insists on seeing you. She says she is... Mr. Sterling's fiancée."

Serenity paused, her pen hovering over the paper.

Chloe.

She expected this visit. Chloe had always been insecure and possessive. Jackson spending time with Serenity yesterday must have reached her ears.

"Let her in," Serenity put down her pen and leaned back in her chair. "I'm ready for entertainment."

A few seconds later, the door swung open.

Chloe walked in like she owned the place. She was dressed head-to-toe in Chanel, carrying a limited edition Hermès bag. Her face was beautiful, but twisted with jealousy.

"So, it is you," Chloe sneered, taking off her sunglasses. "I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me at the gala. Serenity, you really have the nerve to come back."

Serenity smiled calmly. "Good morning to you too, Miss Chloe. Though I prefer to be addressed as Vera during office hours."

"Cut the act!" Chloe slammed her bag onto Serenity's desk. "You think changing your name changes who you are? You are still that pathetic orphan Jackson was forced to marry."

"And you," Serenity stood up, walking slowly around the desk. She was wearing massive high heels, making her slightly taller than Chloe. "You are still the mistress who waits around for a ring that never comes."

Chloe's face turned red. That was her sore spot. Five years, and Jackson still hadn't proposed.

"Jackson loves me!" Chloe shrieked. "He only married you for his grandfather. Now that you are back, don't think you can seduce him with your new face and fake identity."

"I have no interest in your man, Chloe," Serenity inspected her fingernails casually. "He is the one pestering me. He is the one investing millions in my company. Maybe you should ask yourself why your fiancé prefers to hang out with his ex-wife instead of you."

"You lie!" Chloe lost her temper. She raised her hand, aiming a slap at Serenity's cheek.

Five years ago, Serenity might have closed her eyes and taken it.

But not today.

Snap.

Serenity caught Chloe's wrist in mid-air. Her grip was iron-tight.

"Let go of me!" Chloe struggled, shocked by Serenity's strength.

"Listen closely, Chloe," Serenity's voice dropped to a freezing temperature. She twisted Chloe's wrist slightly, causing the other woman to whimper in pain.

"I am not the weak girl you bullied five years ago. This is my company. If you ever try to touch me again, I will have security throw you out like the trash you are."

Serenity shoved her hand away. Chloe stumbled back, nearly falling in her high heels.

Just as the atmosphere reached its boiling point, the elevator chimed.

"What is going on here?" A deep, authoritative voice boomed from the entrance.

Jackson.

He stood there, holding a box of expensive pastries (bribes for the kids). He looked from the flushed, angry Chloe to the calm, cold Serenity.

"Jackson!" Chloe saw her savior. She immediately changed her face. Tears welled up in her eyes instantly. She ran towards him, grabbing his arm.

"Honey, you have to help me! She... she bullied me! I just came to say hello, and she twisted my wrist! Look, it's red!"

Chloe showed her wrist, sobbing dramatically. "She said she will steal you from me! She is crazy!"

Serenity crossed her arms, watching the performance with a cynical smile. Go ahead, Jackson. Protect your first love. Prove to me that you haven't changed.

Jackson looked at Chloe clinging to him. The heavy perfume she wore made him frown. It was suffocating compared to the fresh scent of Serenity's office.

He looked at Serenity. She stood tall, proud, and unapologetic.

Jackson slowly peeled Chloe's hand off his arm.

"Chloe," Jackson said coldly. "What are you doing here?"

"I... I came to see her..." Chloe stammered, sensing something was wrong.

"Did she invite you?"

"No, but..."

"Then you are trespassing," Jackson's voice was sharp. "Serenity is my business partner. Coming here to harass her is disrespecting me."

Chloe's jaw dropped. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Jackson was defending her?

"But Jackson! She hurt me!"

"If she hurt you, you probably deserved it," Jackson said indifferently. He walked past Chloe and placed the pastry box on Serenity's desk.

He looked at Serenity with a gentle gaze that Chloe had never received. "I brought donuts for the kids. Are they here?"

"In the playroom," Serenity pointed. Her heart beat a little faster. He defended me.

Jackson nodded, then turned back to the frozen Chloe.

"Leave, Chloe. Don't make me call security myself. And from now on, stay away from Serenity."

"You... you will regret this!" Chloe screamed, grabbing her bag. She looked at Jackson, then glared at Serenity with pure venom.

"This isn't over!"

She stomped out of the office, humiliated.

The silence returned to the office.

"You didn't have to do that," Serenity said, looking at the donuts. "I can handle her myself."

"I know," Jackson smiled, looking at her with admiration. "I saw how you caught her hand. Nice reflexes."

"I had five years of practice dealing with difficult people," Serenity said dryly.

"I'm sorry," Jackson's expression turned serious. "I'm sorry for what she did to you in the past. And for not protecting you back then."

Serenity looked away. An apology didn't fix five years of pain, but... it was a start.

"Go feed the donuts to the kids," she said softly. "Before I change my mind and kick you out too."

Jackson grinned. "Yes, Boss."